Who do you think you are kidding, Mrs Haygarth?

Went to watch mum in a play of Dad’s Army last night at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster. With a familiarity of Dad’s Army on TV, I’m not sure what I was expecting. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be such a faithful copy of the original.

The play itself was essentially three episodes of the TV series. With Dad’s Army being a studio set series, it translated to the stage fantastically well. Excellent casting and make up made it eerily like the TV show, and disbelief was fully suspended for the evening. The TV show’s canned laughter was replaced by genuine laughter and it made a great play. Mum’s performance as Mrs Fox – Lance-Corporal Jones’ unofficial other half (originally played by Mollie Sugden on the radio series) was refreshing and, like the rest of the cast, convincing. I was very proud and shared her pride in a great performance.

One of those classic moments relived last night:

Mainwaring: You can write what you like. You’re not going to win this war. U. Boat Captain: Yes we are. Mainwaring: Oh no you’re not. U. Boat Captain: Oh yes we are. Pike: [sings] Whistle while you work. Hitler is a twerp. He’s half barmy, so’s his army. Whistle while you work. U. Boat Captain: Your name will also go on zee list. What is it? Mainwaring: Don’t tell him, Pike.